H1B Visa Approval Process flowchart. Application, USCIS, Petition, Premium Processing. Source : http://isss.illinois.edu/download_forms/scholars/flowcharts/h1bflowchart.pdf

1. Department prepares H-1B request and submits it
to ISSS
ISSS requests prevailing wage assessment from
U.S. Department of Labor (up to 60 days)
ISSS files Labor Condition Application with U.S.
Department of Labor (up to 7 business days)
ISSS prepares I-129 and I-907 if premium
processing is requested
Department returns completed Certificate of
Posting to ISSS and arranges meeting with ISSS to
prepare H-1B petition for submission to USCIS
Department posts LCA in two conspicuous
locations (10 business days)
USCIS processes H-1B petition (3-5 months, 15
calendar days if premium processing is requested)
USCIS receives petition, issues and mails Receipt
Notice (1-2 weeks)
If approved, USCIS issues and mails Approval
Notice (1-2 weeks)
If abroad, H-1B employee applies for visa
at U.S. consulate (processing times vary)
If in U.S., H-1B employee makes ISSS
appointment to collect approval documents
H-1B employee arrives and makes
appointment for ISSS check-in/orientation
NOTE: All times are
approximate and
subject to change.
General
H-1B
Process
and
Timeline